QUEENSLAND
Port Douglas
Great Barrier Reef | Gorgeous beaches | Tropical islands | Fun-filled cities National parks | World Heritage Listed rainforest | Adventure aplenty Mouthwatering food experiences | Get back to nature
Australia ’ s sunshine state is a top holiday hang out with a carefree pace of life . Whether you want to catch a surf break , flee to a paradise island , hike through subtropical rainforests , marvel at natural attractions , glimpse the underwater world or , explore vibrant cities and charming seaside towns , Queensland has it all .
Affectionately known as Brissie , the state capital , Brisbane is as easygoing as it is sophisticated . As well as a pretty riverfront setting , the city has a booming food and trendy nightlife scene and is a hub of creativity for the arts and live music .
You don ’ t have to venture far from Brisbane to stumble across perfect patches of sand . The popular Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches are a magnet for tourists , drawn by great surfing , fabulous eateries , buzzing nightlife and thrilling theme parks . In contrast , just offshore is Moreton Island , a quiet island retreat of vast sand dunes , shipwrecks to snorkel and beautiful beaches , whilst in the Gold Coast Hinterland Lamington National Park , you ’ ll find picturesque hiking trails .
When adventure calls hop over to K ’ Gari ( Fraser Island ), the world ’ s largest sand island , for a four wheel drive amongst the dunes . Perhaps opt for an eco experience on Lady Elliot Island , a sanctuary for marine life .
If it ’ s paradise you ’ re seeking , look no further than the Whitsunday Islands . This gathering of white sandy isles scatter across the centre of the Great Barrier Reef . Ranging from welldeveloped holiday hubs to uninhabited islands , there ’ s perhaps nowhere more idyllic in the world to cover your toes in soft white sand .
Tropical North Queensland crams in more untouched beauty , ancient culture and adventure than some entire countries do , with the World Heritage listed double-act of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest being its most prized possessions . Thriving Cairns is the launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef where impressive coral gardens offer the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable .
The Atherton Tablelands are celebrated for some of the best food experiences with lots of home-grown produce to sample . In Daintree , the oldest tropical rainforest in the world , you can trek amongst ancient ferns , cruise along the river in search of salties or zipline through the lush canopy . If you fancy simply lazing amongst the palm trees beside the sea , options include Port Douglas , Palm Cove , Townsville and the extraordinary Cape Tribulation .
In central Queensland is the Capricorn region , where cowboy culture meets coastal lifestyle . At its heart is Rockhampton , Australia ’ s beef capital , while its coast is lined with a series of picturesque white sand beaches . You can replace screen time with green time and get back to nature in Mount Archer National Park and Carnarvon National Park .
32 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900